People are choosing sides and France is on the verge of collapse. Our youth is exposed to extremist temptations, especially in distressed neighbourhoods where little is done to protect them from hatred streams. Our aim is to prevent those streams from leading them to radicalism and terrorism. We give them knowledge and basic skills to deconstruct hate speeches and propaganda and guide them into the development of community projects and awareness campaigns around them and on social networks.
How come the Paris attacks took place? Young people living in distressed neighbourhoods have to face various issues: unemployment, rejection of the educational system, drugs and weapons trafficking, networks of influence, etc. They feel rejected by society, they are frustrated and very easily influenced. Extremist networks use this weakness to reach their own goals : to implement fear and hatred in the minds of our youth. They recruit them not only offline but also online!
It aims to support around 500 young people (aged 15 to 25) by organising numeric workshops on hate speeches and project management responding to their needs and issues. This will take place in 3 different neighbourhoods of Strasbourg as an itinerant multimedia space. Exchanges of good practice, resources for critical thinking and project management tools will get our youth involved in recreating bridges between people, overcoming ignorance and fear, and above all, fighting against radicalism.
Youngsters are autonomous and become mentors. Their online and off line actions, with our support, will raise awareness among their acquaintances, promote citizenship and undermine extremist influences with peace building initiatives. They will break the dynamic of violence and rejection they're stuck in, recreating social cohesion and mutual understanding. French people will realise their significant role in the global fight against obscurantism and the enhancement of living together in peace.
